"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Lions and Tigers and a Panda Bear, Oh My!

We went to the Guangzhou City Zoo today. I did not expect it, but it was a very nice zoo with lots of animal exhibits and rolling hills. Eli seemed to enjoy looking at the animals and showed us that he can point and wave bye-bye (with hand held backwards like he is waving to himself - so cute!). The monkeys were so playful. They were chasing and wrestling with each other and then they would hug. There were multiple lion exhibits and they were in different cages. Two of the male lions started roaring at each other very loudly. We had never seen that before! The kids did not know what to think of that. The zoo also had a panda who was lazily eating bamboo and relaxing.

Part of our group who went to the zoo

Eli and I also got to feed the giraffes. Not sure he knew what to think f them, but I thought it was pretty cool.

We had our group photos today with all of the families and the kids in their traditional silks.

Eli looked very adorable in his silk outfit

And last but not least, checkout this video to see Eli break out into his belly laughs. Miss you all and can't wait to come home.

AWWWWW!!!! That laugh, what a sweetie! Love to see him having SO MUCH FUN with his Mommy and Daddy! Can't wait to see you guys, and your half dozen ALL TOGETHER! Can you message me on fb about when you arrive. :)

The Fam

Welcome

Welcome to our blog. We are the Garland family. Michael, Heather, Aidan (12), Keenan (9), Isabella (8) and Eli (3). We brought Isabella home in August of 2009, and Eli home in February 2013. We hope you enjoy our journey as a family of 6!

Aidan

Keenan

Bella

Eli

Our four blessings

Timeline

February 15: Apply to CCAI;
February 16: Apply to FAC (homestudy agency);
May 24: Received Final Homestudy;
May 25: Sent I800A application to USCIS;
July 11: USCIS Approval;
July 20: DTC;
July 24: LID;
August 9: LOI submitted to China, Eli's file locked!!;
August 17: Pre-approval from China;
September 19: Out of Translation;
November 1: LOA;
November 21: USCIS Provisional 800 Approval;
December 18: Article 5 issued;
January 9: Travel Approval!;
January 21: Eli in our arms forever!!